Lidocaine is used as a local anesthetic, during tracheal intubation, and for the treatment of arrhythmias. Lidocaine works by blocking the influx of sodium ions into the membrane surrounding nerves. Lidocaine skin patch is used to relieve nerve pain caused by herpes zoster or shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Lidocaine belongs to the family of medicines called local anesthetics. Lidocaine (also reported under various trade names such as Xylocaine) is an amide-type local anesthetic. Its chemical structure features a lipophilic aromatic ring connected via an amide bond to a tertiary amine. Lidocaine is used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (infection with the herpes zoster virus). Learn about side effects, drug interactions, dosages, warnings, and more. Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic medication of the class Ib type. [9] This means it works by blocking sodium channels thus decreasing the rate of contractions of the heart. [12][9] When injected near nerves, the nerves cannot conduct signals to or from the brain. Lidocaine topical can be used to prevent or relieve pain during certain medical procedures, such as drawing blood, placing a breathing tube, inserting a urinary catheter, or putting a small tube into a vein to give fluids or medications. Lidocaine injection is used to cause numbness or loss of feeling for patients having certain medical procedures (by blocking certain nerves using the brachial plexus, intercostal, lumbar, or epidural blocking techniques). It has a role as a xenobiotic, a local anaesthetic, an anti-arrhythmia drug, an environmental contaminant and a drug allergen. It is a member of benzenes, a monocarboxylic acid amide and a tertiary amino compound. It is functionally related to a glycinamide. A single application should not exceed 5 g of Lidocaine Ointment 5%, containing 250 mg of lidocaine base (equivalent chemically to approximately 300 mg of lidocaine hydrochloride). Learn about lidocaine viscous 2% usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives.